Ten months a captive among Filipinos: being a narrative of adventure and observation during imprisonment on the island of Luzon, P.I.

Albert Sonnichsen was an American sailor who left his ship to observe the outbreak of the Philippine-American War, only to be captured by Filipino forces under General Emilio Aguinaldo in 1899. This memoir chronicles his ten months as a prisoner of war on the island of Luzon. Published shortly after his release, the book quickly became a notable primary source for understanding the conflict, providing an unvarnished, often sympathetic, portrayal of the Filipino insurgents and the conditions of their prisons. It was referenced by US Senators during the investigative hearings into the war and remains a valuable document for studying the period, offering a complex view of the relationship between Americans and Filipinos during a controversial era of US expansion. Concise Metadata Description: A first-hand account detailing the capture and imprisonment of American naval seaman Albert Sonnichsen by Filipino forces during the Philippine-American War (1899-1902). Published in 1901, the memoir provides a non-official, civilian-like narrative of the conflict, offering unique insights into the Philippine independence movement and the daily life of a captive on the island of Luzon. It is a critical primary source for scholars of American imperialism and Philippine history.

The book is considered valuable. It is advised that researchers use digital copy rather than physical books for preservation purposes.

[xiv], 388 pages, 4 unnumbered pages : illustrations ; photographs ; map

Date created 1901

APA Citation:

Sonnichsen, A. (1901). Ten months a captive among Filipinos: being a narrative of adventure and observation during imprisonment on the island of Luzon, P.I. Charles Scribner's Sons.